研究生英语写作讲义五

Coherence From Logical Order

Chronological Order

The Evolution of Computers

In the relatively short span of twenty-five years, there has been an incredible evolution in the size and capabilities of computers. Today, computers smaller than the tip of your fingernail have the same capabilities as the room-sized machines of twenty-five years ago. The first computers were developed around 1945. They were so large that they required special air-conditioned rooms. About twenty years later, in the 1960s, desk-sized computers were developed. This represented a gigantic advance. Before the end of that same decade, however, a third generation of computers, which used simple integrated circuits and which were even smaller and faster, had appeared. In 1971, the first microprocessor, less than one square centimetre in size, was developed. Today, electronic engineers predict that even smaller and more sophisticated computers will be on the market before the end of this decade.

A Neutralization Experiment

To perform a neutralization experiment, proceed in the following manner. First, measure out about 2 cc. of laboratory NaOH solution. Second, pour the solution into a small casserole. Next, add portions of HCL solution, stirring after each addition until the solution is acid when tested with litmus paper". Then, place the casserole containing the solution on a wire gauze over a Bunsen burner and heat it until the solution begins to boil. When it does, reduce the size of the flame immediately and allow the solution to boil gently. As it approaches dryness, sputtering may occur. At this point, cover the casserole loosely with a watch-glass. Then, hold the casserole above the flame and move it back and forth until no further water vapour is expelled. Finally, allow the dish and residue to cool.

Practice: Chronological Transition Signals

Add appropriate chronological transition signals to the following essay and punctuate them.

How to Reduce the Danger of Smoking

The Department of Health, Education and Welfare (HEW) has outlined some steps to take some of the danger out of smoking for those people who are unable to quit smoking outright. _______________ choose a cigarette with less tar and nicotine to reduce your intake of these pollutants. ______________ don't smoke your cigarette all the way down. Smoke halfway, and you will inhale only about 40 percent of the total tar and nicotine. Remember, 60 percent of these substances are contained in the last half of the cigarette. ___________ take fewer draws on each cigarette—that is, reduce the number of puffs on each cigarette. This will cut down on your smoking. ___________reduce your inhaling. Don't open your lungs by inhaling deeply. Take short, shallow puffs. ___________ smoke fewer cigarettes each day. This may be the most difficult step of all. However, just follow these directions:

       1. Pick a time of day to start, and don't smoke before that time.

       2. Don't think of it as cutting down; think of it as postponing.

       3. Carry your cigarettes in a different pocket, or put them in a different place so that you can't reach for them automatically.

       ___________ think about the terrible diseases you are opening yourself up to each time you smoke a cigarette. ___________if you follow each of these steps without cheating, you should be able to at least control the number of cigarettes you smoke daily. Who knows, this might be the beginning of the end of your smoking, that is.

Practice:   Chronological Topic Sentences

STEP 1 : Put a check in the space to the left of every topic sentence suggesting that a chronological paragraph will follow.

STEP 2 : Circle the word or words in the sentences you have checked that indicate chronological order.

_______1.        The worst day in my life was the day I left my family and my friends to come to the United States.

_______2.        In my opinion, television programs can be divided into three types: excellent, mediocre, and poor.

_______3.        The life cycle of the Pacific salmon is one of nature's most fascinating phenomena.

_______4.        Gold is prized for two important characteristics.

_______5.        In the event of an earthquake, you should follow certain procedures in order to minimize the danger.

_______6.        The tensions that led to the race riots of 1964 had been building for years.

_______7.        The election of a U.S. President is a very long and complex process.

_______8.        Smoking damages not only your lungs, but also your heart.

_______9.        There are three reasons I believe that women should be drafted along with men.

_______10.    The rise of terrorist groups in the past few years is an indication of the spread of anarchistic tendencies in the world.

Order of Importance

The Causes of Inflation

       Inflation is an economic condition in which prices for consumer goods increase, and the value of money or purchasing power decreases. There are three important causes of inflation. The first and most important cause may be excessive government spending. For example, in order to finance a war or carry out social programs, the government may spend more money than it has received through taxes and other revenue, thus creating a deficit. In order to offset this deficit, the Treasury Department can simply expand the money supply by issuing more paper money to meet the debts of government. This increase in the money supply will cause the value of the dollar to automatically decrease. The second cause of inflation occurs when the money supply increases faster than the supply of goods. If people have more money, they will run out to buy popular goods like televisions and computers, for example, and a shortage will result. Industry will then produce more, at higher prices, to satisfy demand. Furthermore, if people think that the prices of popular goods are going up, they will buy and even borrow money at high interest rates to pay for them. Finally, if labour unions demand that workers' wages be increased to cover the high cost of living, industry will meet this demand and add other costs of production on to the consumer. In summary, all of these causes can create inflationary problems that can affect the welfare of a nation. However, of these three causes, excessive government spending may be the most important.

Practice: Topic Sentences for Order of Importance

STEP 1: Put a check in the space to the left of every topic sentence that suggests order of importance organization.

STEP 2: Circle the word or words in the checked sentences which indicate this.

1. My twenty-first birthday was a day I will never forget.

2. In terms of salary, power, and status, women are behind men in most occupations.

3. Some meteorologists believe that another ice age is approaching.

4. Living in a dormitory offers three advantages to a newly arrived foreign student.

5. Photosynthesis is the process by which plants manufacture their own food.